Paul Taylor of Williamstown, WV, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter surrounded by family on April 30 after a short illness. He was 81-years-old.
Taylor taught social studies and gifted programs in the Jackson County and Roane County school systems for more than 25 years. He also coached soccer, track, cross-country, and football, leading local teams to success at the sectional, regional, and state levels. In addition to teaching and coaching Taylor was also a small business proprietor. He owned and operated Roane Vineyards and Tay Shirts and served on the Roane County Chamber of Commerce for many years. Earlier in his professional career he was the head of the Kaiser Employees Recreation Association and director of two YMCA branches.
Taylor was born and raised in Walton, WV, the son of Edward Dewey and Nellie Jane Rhodes Robertson Taylor. He graduated from Walton High School in 1961 and Glenville State College in 1965. He won multiple letters in football at Glenville and achieved acclaim for his play as a defensive back. While pursuing graduate study and coaching at Kent State University he was the position coach for future coaching great Nick Saban. Taylor also studied at the University of the Americas in Mexico City as a Fulbright Scholar.
Taylor was active in Shriners International and was a Master Mason in the Moriah Lodge in Spencer. He was a licensed sailboat captain and sailed on the Chesapeake Bay. He was an avid runner who completed the New York City Marathon, enjoyed woodworking, and was a member of Theta Xi fraternity.
Taylor is survived by his wife Anna-Neale, siblings Betty Hersman and Fred Taylor, children Mike Taylor and Paige Taylor Coleman, stepson Nathan Gerencir, stepdaughter, Lisa Denbigh, and seven grandchildren.
Viewing will take place at Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home in Spencer on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 12:00pm - 1:30pm with a procession leaving at 1:30 for a graveside service at the Spencer Memorial Cemetery.